Migraines and stroke
Hello, my name is Julie. I am 42 and was diagnosed with migraines in 2009. I taken enderal everyday as a preventative and imitrex when I have a migraine. On Friday, I had a minor stroke. I do not smoke, have diabetes, or high blood pressure. I am overweight and found out in the hospital that my cholesterol is slightly elevated 223 total. The MRI showed several mini strokes on the right side of my brain. After several tests, they could not find an underlying cause stemming from my brain or heart.
The neurologist believes that migraines caused my strokes. I can no longer take imitrex. Fortunately, I do not seem to have any neurological deficits but I am scared and wondering if anyone has any experience with migraine-induced strokes. I am also looking for a good OTC migraine remedy and types on how to prevent them. I eat way too much processed salty food, drink a lot of coffee, do not get enough sleep, do not drink enough water, and have a fair amount of stress. So, I know that I need to make some diet and lifestyle changes. Thanks for listening and any advice is much iappreciated. Happy Memorial day!
Hi Julep1971,
I am so very sorry to hear about your stroke - that must have been very scary. I hope you are feeling better now and I will be happy to provide you information on migraine.
People with migraine are at an increased risk of stroke. This article has excellent information on migraine and stroke; https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-heart-disease-and-stroke/. Please let me know if you have any questions after you read this.
It sounds like you already know that changes in your lifestyle and diet need to be made, so that's a good start. I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep a regular sleep schedule and make our environment as migraine friendly as we can. Let me share with you the seven essentials of migraine that cover everything from diagnosis and doctors to triggers and treatment; https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-management-essentials/.
I hope you find this helpful and are feeling better in now time!
NancyMy boyfriend had a rare Migraine Stroke 10 mths ago. He is still having 24/7 migraines. He's in severe pain and is on 27 plus medicines. He has brain damage and vision issues. Plus memory recall, reading and comprehension issues. No physical problems. We need help with his pain. It's unbearable for him. It was called Migrainous Infarction Stroke. He recently had a pacemaker put in and know doctors are flip flopping saying it's his heart but have no idea on why the migraine never goes away.
After many years of migraines being treated by my GP, I finally saw a headache specialist. As part of my workup, I had an MRI and MRA and discovered I had a small R cerebral stroke. It has affected my mobility mostly. I have Cluster, hemipelgic cranium and hemipelgic across my forehead. My headaches are almost daily now.
Because of the stroke, I can't use triptans at all. Revow is a Diptan that is ok for me to use. I can only use it very sparingly due to price. I take Fioricet for my headaches and Flexeril. I also am trying a Nerivio device as well.
It took me 4 years to get on disability before I turned 65. Could that be a help for you and your boyfriend?
Life is not the greatest but it beats the alternative!
I hope you can get answers and help.
Good luck!
Thank you so much for sharing your difficult journey with us. I'm happy to hear a specialist was able to assist. Complicated issues need experts!!
How are you doing today? Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team
Thank you both so much!! We have had an MRI and that how they found the left side brain damage. He is sick of doctors and medicine. It's so hard to keep him motivated and wanting to push forward. I am going to check into a migraine specialist for sure. I appreciate all the comments!!
So frustrating, we get it!! I look forward to your updates! How are you coping with all of this? Caregivers need support too! Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator MIgriane.com Team
